Show of hands.

How many of you took advantage of some of the “Fantastic Savings” on Black Friday and got yourself a brand new computer?

OK, another show of hands.

How many of you anxiously started up those brand spanking new devices only to be disappointed that it seems to take 5 times as long as your old computer to get anything done.  I was so excited to get a new laptop only to have starting Chrome be a pain, let alone trying to use any of the other programs.

HAVE NO FEAR!  KEEP THAT CHRISTMAS CHEER!

You didn’t pick the wrong device.  There probably isn’t anything wrong with it.  Most devices come with SO many extra programs and configurations now … sponsored programs, etc … that are what you might call “resource-hungry.”  They are taking up so much memory and CPU you don’t have enough left to do the basic tasks like starting up your internet browser.

Now there are some suggestions you can use.  The first is always to do a good old reboot of your computer.  But if that isn’t working here are some ideas:

1.    If you are attempting to locate those “Resource-hungry”, open Task Manager
2.    Close System Tray Programs
3.    Disable Startup Programs
4.    Reduce Animations

(For 6 more tips and instructions to each, see 10 Quick Ways to Speed Up a Slow PC Running Windows 7, 8, or 10)

If looking at that list makes you feel a bit overwhelmed, you might want to talk to your West Valley Technical Services technician the next time he makes a call. We would be happy to help get that computer up to speed for you.

I admit. I like Apple, but I don’t LOVE Apple. So when I heard the news Wednesday evening that there was a bug recently discovered in the High Sierra OS, I had to laugh a little under my breath. The husband is a HUGE Apple advocate because ‘it’s so much more secure than Android and Windows.’ And I’m the Android/Google lover in the family. So the chance at a jab was there … but I digress (and it is close to Christmas after all).

The bug allows anyone with access to YOUR Mac computer to log in as the ‘root user,’ giving them access to everything on your computer, including read and write permission. The report said that Apple hoped they would get something out with the next update.

Well, that update is available! (Apple has already fixed the macOS High Sierra root bug) So if you have a Macintosh computer, please make sure that you OS is up-to-date. If you aren’t sure what you need to do, or have concerns that you might have been compromised, please contact your West Valley Technical Services technician immediately to get your situation resolved.

(Photo Credit GolfChannel)

With a large number of our clients being in the field of education, we understand that security is top of mind, not only for your technology, but for the people you are responsible for: clients, employees, students, etc. The mass shooting in Las Vegas Sunday evening is a scary reminder that those who wish to do innocent people harm will find a way, no matter what their motivation. This horrific tragedy is the worst to date on American soil with the most recent count of 58 dead and over 500 injured either directly because of the shooting or in the ensuing chaos to follow.  Most of us probably know someone that was immediately impacted by this tragedy.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to those immediately involved,the victims, the first responders, and the rest of the city, as well as the family and friends worried about their loved ones.

Gunman in Las Vegas kills at least 58, injures 500 more in shooting rampage

Congratulations to our client, St. Ignatius Catholic School in Meridian, Idaho, for a successful opening!

They were recently featured in Idaho Ed News, not only for their opening, but for their new approach on education.

Read more …

Not sure how many can relate to this example, but stick with me.  The 4 year old in the house has recently learned how to download apps to the various family devices.  Of course anything with a purchase still requires password. (I learned that the hard way 6 years ago when her brother was about 4.)  But the free ones seem to mysteriously show up on a regular basis.  Next thing you know I have 100 apps on my tablet with no clue which ones are being used, how often they are being used, etc. And I admit, I’m constantly looking for new apps that will help improve productivity for myself. Just the other day I was wondering if there was a way I could tell how much the application was being used if not at least the last time it was opened.

Obviously the same can be true in business.  You might not have Talking Tom, Talking Angela, and 20 of their other friends and family on you devices (seriously, how many talking animal apps are out there?!?!?).  But you might have multiple education apps designed to do similar things as you try to find the one that best meets the classroom’s or students’ needs. Some for education, some for entertainment, some for organization …

Well now CatchOn and Google have fostered a relationship that should help school administrators streamline the process of analyzing which apps to keep and which to send to the recycling bin. “CatchOn delivers real-time data on which apps are being used, how often and where to help keep track of technology investments. The administrative tool is designed to measure the financial impact of apps by analyzing district data, revealing the percentage of the budget per app and comparing it with the consumption across an entire district. “CatchOn is the first administrative tool that provides real-time data across every app, device and operating system used in districts,” according to a company representative.” (CatchOn and Google Team Up to Offer Usage Data on Chromebooks

Of course the caution comes in making sure that you have everything in your school or district being backed up regularly.  So if you aren’t already positive that’s happening, talk to your West Valley Technical Services representative to be sure you aren’t deleting something and its accompanying files that you can never get back without having some confidence. Also, if you would like help in transitioning to this new service being offered by CatchOn and Google, talk to us today to get you started.  Resources can be tight when it comes to technology in education.  Make sure you are using them wisely.

“Back in my day we didn’t have these computer things.  You wanted to write to someone you mailed a letter. None of this  ‘EEE-mail’ stuff. If you wanted to buy something, you went to the store.  You didn’t hand over all your personal info through a keyboard.”

I don’t consider myself that old and I still remember email being new.  I also remember how threatened we felt by an email link or attached file that might make the screen go black.  Or worse, make you lose a few files.

If only it were that simple still.

Threats of viruses, and worse, ransomware, can absolutely debilitate a company. “Ransomware, you may remember, is a nasty computer virus designed to hold data hostage until you pay a specific fee.”(Ransomware: A malicious gift that keeps on giving) Can you image having your systems locked and all you data held by some cyber pirate until you pay to have it released, or lose it forever?  These attacks are on a global range. They are finding that some aren’t even about the money but the idea of bring a area of transportation, information, and more down to a screeching halt. And I’m sure even the smallest companies and communities assume they are safe.  I mean, who even knows where Idaho is let alone think we have anything of value here.  But just like a cold virus you could be getting while traveling, no one can truly predict the how or when of obtaining this type of threat to your company or organization.

Standard virus protection provided by most new devices may not be enough to truly protect your network from crashing down or being held hostage by some crook looking to make a few (thousand or million) dollars. Having a more sophisticated system in place can literally save your company more than just a tiny headache. If you aren’t sure about your current virus protection, contact your West Valley Technical Service technician to have an evaluation done and suggestion made that could save you from TODAY’S threats.

I don’t know about your school, office, or even household.  But in mine, it’s like Dueling Banjos when it comes to Apple vs Android. Can’t we all just get along?

Yeah, right.

So if you are familiar with the debate, you probably understand there are already a bunch of differences.

I had to laugh the other day when my husband sent me “This is the easiest way to prevent malware on your Android device” from Apple News (from one of his many Apple devices). I was waiting to see a punch line instead of an article, like ‘just throw your Android away and get an Apple.’ But for those of us that love our Android devices, one of the main reasons is the incredible availability of apps, both through Google Play Store and other outside sources. And usually much cheaper than Apple Store versions.

But with that kind of ‘freedom’ (Happy post-Memorial Day by the way) comes a responsibility to know what you are downloading or it could result in malware being installed on your device and other very serious issues that can affect your device. “By default, Google prevents users from installing apps from sources other than the Play store. The best way to protect yourself is to leave the installation of apps from unknown sources disabled. It’s a good idea to double-check that the setting is still disabled, just to be safe.” (article)  And I couldn’t agree more.  That is probably the most basic thing you can do.  “When downloading apps it’s imperative that you only do so from a legitimate app store; that means from companies like Google, Amazon, Samsung, or another major manufacturer or carrier. These marketplaces are monitored and scanned for potentially dangerous or fraudulent programs. On occasion, however, malicious apps sometimes slip through the cracks, often disguised as legitimate ones.” (Protect your android device from malware)

You can also find a security app that will scan apps you download for any potential issues.  I personally have Lookout on my phone, a free app in the Google Play Store. You can find and other tested anti-virus software for your android on CNET.

So if you love your Android like I do, and get sick of people telling you how unsecure your device is, or that your information can be easily compromised, rest assured.  There are ways to protect yourself from malware and still enjoy the freedom and flexibility of an Android device. And if you are concerned that maybe you might have suspicious activity or applications on your device, remember that’s a great time to contact your West Valley Technical Services technician.  We can clean, secure, and make your devices more efficient. Remember, even if you are upgrading to a newer device, a questionable app moved over to it can continue to cause you issues.

Q) How old is too old when it comes to a computer? 

A) Computers aren’t like cars or appliances that are designed to last for decades before being replaced.  And even if a computer does survive years of service, chances are it won’t even support whatever the latest software needs are.  As a general rule of thumb, 5 to 7 years tends to be the average lifespan for computer equipment.  The standard warranty on computers is rarely longer than one year, and the longest we have ever seen is 5 years and even that was only on government purchases.  So if your machine has lasted you 7 years or more, you should be proud of it, but consider purchasing a newer system if it starts to act up.  Chances are, it’s not worth spending money on to repair at that point.  As always, we will point you in the right direction should you reach out to us.

Q) I don’t see anything on my screen at all, but my computer is turned on.  What does that mean?

A) The very first thing we check in cases like this is to make sure the cable that connects the monitor to your computer hasn’t come disconnected for whatever reason.  You’d be surprised how often that is the cause!  If that checks out, you’ll want to make sure the monitor is getting power (another common occurrence.)  If all the connections are solid and everything is getting power, there is a chance that there is a hardware issue with the PC itself.  In those cases, it’s a better idea to reach out to a local PC repair shop or a professional that is willing to come to where the PC is to look at it.  If you are in the Boise, Idaho area, we would be happy to make a quick housecall in a case like this.

Q) How can I print from my mobile device?

A) MObile printing used to be a big hassle, requiring special apps and proprietary printers.  In the last few years, both Apple and Google have made it much easier to print from their devices, however.  All you really need to do is look for printers that support “AirPrint” if you use Apple devices, and/or “Google Cloud Print” if you use Android devices.  Keep in mind that the printer(s) will need to be connected to the same wireless network as your mobile devices in the case of Apple devices.  In the case of Google devices, the printer just needs to have a connection to the Internet and be added to the same Google account that the mobile device uses (or be shared with that account.)  If that sounds a bit too complicated, we can give you a hand setting up either one, too 🙂

One of the biggest problems facing most organizations, and usually the most expensive, is retaining good employees.  Losing employees means lost productivity.  Hiring new employees costs money to locate, interview, and train them.  The same is true no matter what the industry and sector.

You wouldn’t think that the shortage of professional teachers might be caused by losing teachers to more than just age-forced retirement. I mean, teaching is such a great gig, right? (insert sarcastic face)  Teachers do what they do because they love their clients … the kids.  Not because they make lots of money and they are great chances for advancement. According to Stop Driving Teachers Out Of The Classroom — Focus Instead On Keeping Them There  in Forbes, a growing number of teachers are retiring because the work is no longer worth the trade-off of time and resources they are forced to commit. “Constant upheavals in the curriculum, in testing regimes and even the way teachers are expected to teach have resulted in enormous strains on teachers, leaving many to feel they have no option but to leave the profession.”  Although the article takes on a more ‘it’s the government’s fault’ type attitude, it brings a very valid point to light.  Is the technology in the schools the best that district can afford and providing what teachers and student need to be keeping up with the workload and expectations of them?

A large number of private sector jobs are also the same. Not all employees are corporate ladder climbers.  They want a stable job, where they feel they are appreciated and compensated commensurate to their output.  When the employee no longer feels that the security of the position, the pay, or the benefits are worth how hard they are having to work, they will choose to move on to other employment if they can.  In addition, hiring and retaining employees new to the workforce might prove difficult if the technology in the office isn’t helping them do their jobs … sometimes even holding them back.

Technology may be replacing some jobs (that’s a whole other blog article), but it is supposed to HELP people DO their jobs.  Supplying teachers with training that is appropriate and innovative.  Providing resources that help reduce or eliminate tedious work, clutter, and miscommunication increases productivity and job satisfaction. Providing staff with organizational and productivity tools (and the training they need to use them) might seem like an unnecessary expense when ‘the old way works fine.’ But you may be incurring MORE expense when you are having to look for new employees.

When you start planning out this year’s professional conferences to attend and come back with loads of great ideas and things you can be implementing in your organization, remember to give your West Valley Technical Services technician a call to help you make those transitions as smooth as possible.